FL Governor Unveils RE Research Systems

Gov. Charlie Crist, R-Fla., along with Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida, has presented plans for Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery Systems (SEEDS), renewable energy technology that will be evaluated at two St. Petersburg sites, including the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Albert Whitted Park.

According to the governor's office, the sites will serve as research hubs for unique technology that could be used as energy storage for future smart-grid power systems. The SEEDS project combines photovoltaic panels and an advanced battery system to supply renewable energy during periods of peak power demand. SEEDS is a renewable energy initiative made possible through a public-private partnership with the University of South Florida, the city of St. Petersburg, Progress Energy Florida and the Florida High-Tech Corridor.

‘I applaud Progress Energy and their partners for recognizing there is gold in green technology,’ states Crist. ‘Greening the Sunshine State's businesses and communities stimulates new green technology development and helps secure Florida's energy future.’